Chelan PUD plans helicopter surveys of transmission lines

WENATCHEE — Residents in the Upper Valley and from Monitor southeast toward Malaga may see a helicopter flying low over high-voltage power lines Tuesday as Chelan PUD surveys portions of its transmission system.

The flights are planned along transmission corridors between Peshastin and Coles Corner and between Monitor and Malaga, weather permitting.

A Chelan PUD contractor will conduct the aerial surveys to assess existing conditions and help plan for transmission upgrades.

Low-flying helicopters are a familiar sight along the PUD's transmission system. The utility conducts routine helicopter inspections annually across more than 300 miles of transmission lines. This year's annual inspections were conducted in June, including flights between Cashmere and Stevens Pass and over lines in Wenatchee, Malaga, Entiat, Chelan and Manson.

Tuesday's flights are separate surveys focused on existing conditions and planning for future transmission upgrades in the Peshastin-Coles Corner and Monitor-Malaga corridors.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media